William Ryan found something rather remarkable here. Wow! This would have been perfect for my Nevada Overlanding trip. Just need to wear one of those white disposable coveralls and some goggles and leather helmet.
He titled it “Indy Car Project”. I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean, as it sure doesn’t look like it’s ready for the 500. “Indy” as independent-minded? Works for me. And it’s got an inline six and rides on a Toyota truck chassis.
I can’t quite make out the badge on that great old radiator. The six has dual carbs and a split exhaust header. Looks kinda’ like a Ford Big Six, but I could be wrong.
The luggage is all packed, and I’m ready to roll.
Is that blue thing an old steel cooler? And a water can behind it? The gas tank is plenty big.
I’ve always had a thing for old Ford speedsters, but this all kinds of wonderful. A truck speedster, ready to take on anything with those tires. I love it.
The builder told me he was inspired to create this after visiting the Indy museum and seeing the car that won the first race. He’d driven it from Wisconsin, thru the Upper Peninsula, into Michigan, and was about to take the Ludington car ferry back home. He wears the classic goggles and has had it up to 90 mph. I could be wrong on the chassis being from a Toyota, I was so absorbed in the overall vision it was hard to focus on the details.
As in pre-WWI Indianapolis 500. That definitely has a Marmon look to it.
This thing is great! That radiator appears to be off a Mitchell looking at a front end shot on his photostream. Nice find.
Probably more smiles per dollar spent, than most anything on the market.
This looks great ! .
Home made hobby cars are often weird or ugly but this things looks like fun to me .
As a child many farmers would cut down an old 1920’s 1930’s car into a ‘doodle bug’ .
-Nate
This thing is great! I’d love to know more details of its construction. I’ve always wanted to build a fire truck speedster from an old brass era fire truck. They were once a thing. They’re a rich mans folly now, but this captures the spirit of them.
This is the best thing that I’ve seen in years, a modern home built replica of a an early 1900’s speedster. It’s sort of a Stutz Bear Cat loaded for bear! Speedsters preceded hot rods and they usually used the original engine that was modified, the frame or suspension was lowered and they of course were stripped down. This car really nails the adventure look, much like a modern Paris to Dakar style motorcycle or a classic Peking to Paris racer. It even recalls the famous Thomas Flyer which won the New York to Paris race in 1908. It would be even easier to build than a modern hot rod, and it looks like much more fun. Ever since I saw this picture, posted below, I’ve been enthralled by the idea of making my own speedster. This is circa 1912 National race car. The picture captures the excitement, adventure, and drama of one of these cars in action!
I love it the vintage tractor radiator is an awesome touch, smiles per gallon would be outa this world
This is one of those unique vehicles in which the more you look, the more you see –
If it had been built on a 4×4 chassis, the options for exercise would have been greatly
increased. Imagine seeing this flying across the dunes or in the mud!
Reminds me of Mercedes SSK…